Days out
Lake Vyrnwy
LlanwddynOpenSee opening timesA reservoir in the heart of the Berwyn mountains surrounded by moorland and woodland, sites don't get much more picturesque than this. Come for the scenery and stay for the wildlife – Pied Flycatchers, Red Grouse, Hobbies, Otters and more.
About
Set against the slopes of the Berwyn Mountains and fringed of trees, Lake Vyrnwy may look like a triumph of nature, but it’s actually a man-made reservoir. As well as supplying the people of Liverpool with fresh water, the surrounding moorland, woodland and meadows are a haven for wildlife. Listen out for the call of Pied Flycatchers, Wood Warblers and Redstarts among the trees, look out for Dippers nesting by the rocky streams and Goosanders bobbing on the water. Scan the skies and you might spot a Peregrine hunting overheard.
We directly manage 5000 hectares of the estate to create the ideal conditions for wildlife. This involves blanket bog restoration, conservation grazing to maintain the right mosaic of heather, bog and grassland for birds like Whinchat, Black Grouse, Snipe and other waders.
Over in the Oak woodland, we’re working with water company Hafren Dyfrdwy to look after the habitat for breeding birds. Our efforts include removing non-native species, controlled grazing, preserving dead wood on the forest floor and managing Birch trees for Welsh Clearwing moths.
At a glance
Coed y Capel car park, 150 m from dam. Blue Badge bays. Tarmac surface. Slight gradient. Drop-off point 25 m from entrance. No height restrictions.
Main car park 300m from dam. Blue Badge bays. Tarmac surface. Slight gradient within car park. Level access to play park. Steep incline to dam and visitor hub. No height restrictions.
Gender neutral - One accessible toilet in the main toilet block (RADAR key needed).
Baby changing facilities are available.
There are areas in the main hub that are accessible to both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The Café and adjacent Coed y Capel Hide are accessible; there are also accessible toilets on site too.
The sculpture park (island below the dam) is also accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs, which can be accessed via the main car park which also has disabled spots.
However, the wider area of the reserve has uneven surfaces, steep inclines, kissing gates and stream crossings via stepping stones.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
There are areas in the main hub that are accessible to both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The Café and adjacent Coed y Capel Hide are accessible; there are also accessible toilets on site too.
The sculpture park (island below the dam) is also accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs, which can be accessed via the main car park which also has disabled spots.
However, the wider area of the reserve has uneven surfaces, steep inclines, kissing gates and stream crossings via stepping stones.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Toilets are open between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Lake Vyrnwy is an open reserve with a large population of ground-nesting birds and livestock. For this reason we ask that dogs are kept on leads at all times.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Lake Vyrnwy
vyrnwy@rspb.org.uk Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 0LZ 01691 870278